KUALA LUMPUR – BERSATU’s Allied Wing has firmly rejected the Prime Minister’s proposal to reduce education subsidies for those deemed wealthy, describing it as contrary to efforts to build an inclusive and high-quality education system.
The Information Chief of Bersekutu BERSATU, Datuk Sri Sanjeevan Ramakrishnan, stated that the proposal is not only a serious policy mistake but also poses a threat to the country’s future.
“We see this as a threat to national development. A fair education system is a crucial equalizer in society. Countries like Singapore and Finland have proven economic success through significant investment in education for all levels of society,” he said in a statement.
Sanjeevan outlined five main reasons why the proposal should be rejected: it denies access to quality education, creates unfairness in defining who is wealthy, threatens national unity, is a populist move that disregards the future of children, and tarnishes Malaysia’s international reputation.
“This move could lead to a two-tier education system in Malaysia—one for the affluent and another for the less fortunate. This will widen the social and economic gap, leading to long-term social instability,” he explained.
He added that the proposal also reflects the government’s failure to manage national resources efficiently.
“Why not address issues of wastage and leakages in the education system first? Resolving these issues alone could provide sufficient funds to enhance the quality of education without discriminating against any group,” he stressed.
Sanjeevan also stated that the discriminatory education policy contradicts Malaysia’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education for all.
“Therefore, Bersekutu urges the government to immediately withdraw this proposal and apologize to the people of Malaysia,” he said.
He also called on the government to launch a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of education, invest in educational innovation and teacher development, hold a national dialogue on the future of education, and establish a special parliamentary committee to enhance the country’s education system.
“Education is the most valuable investment for the future of the country. Bersekutu calls on all Malaysians to join in defending the right to education for all, for the future of our children and our nation,” he added. -MalayaDailyToday
